SAISD voters OK bond issue

Three propositions for Judson ISD voted down.

Published 5:44 pm, Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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Superintendent Robert Durón celebrates at the victory party for the San Antonio Independent School District bond issue. The $515 million allows for renovations and upgrates at many schools, as well as Alamo Stadium. less

Superintendent Robert Durón celebrates at the victory party for the San Antonio Independent School District bond issue. The $515 million allows for renovations and upgrates at many schools, as well as Alamo ... more

SAISD voters OK bond issue

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Voters in the San Antonio Independent School District overwhelmingly approved a $515 million bond issue Tuesday - the district's largest ever - preliminary results show. Judson Independent School District voters, meanwhile, shot down three bond propositions that would have provided for new schools in the growing district.

The results in SAISD pave the way for extensive renovations at 22 district schools and for other schools to receive new and upgraded playgrounds, technology, security and facilities for career and vocational education. The district's Alamo Stadium and Convocation Center will get a $35 million facelift to remedy problems with plumbing and wheelchair accessibility and to replace worn-out turf and seating, among other improvements.

"Forgive me if I'm walking 3 feet off the ground," Superintendent Robert Durón said as bond supporters celebrated their victory Tuesday night at The Cove. "This is so special to me."

The bond issue isn't just aimed at improving existing facilities, but will allow the district to launch the first phase of its long-range facilities plan, which includes closing five schools, a move Durón has said will eventually save the district millions each year. The plan calls for shifting students from closed schools to newly updated facilities once renovations and additions are completed.

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"We are leaning forward and taking a big step, this is huge," state Rep. Mike Villareal, co-chair of the bond planning committee.

The campaign was not without controversy. Though money for Alamo Stadium made up only about 7 percent of the overall bond, it quickly became the most debated element of the proposal.

The 70-year-old facility is both well-loved and well-worn, but when school district officials began meeting with Spurs Sports & Entertainment to discuss a possible partnership to professional soccer to the aging stadium, many in the community wondered whether the school district stood to lose more than it might gain. Both parties quickly called off discussions, though they could resume.

Judson's triple defeat

Also Tuesday, Judson voters defeated a $198 million bond proposal, according to preliminary vote totals.

Unlike in SAISD, where the bond was an all-or-nothing decision, voters in Judson chose from among three propositions. The third - which included $71.7 million for a new high school and a community center - failed by the widest margin as some voters questioned why the district would build a facility with a community swimming pool and senior center.

Also hanging over the campaign was the memory of the district's 2006 bond issue, which included several projects that came in late and over-budget. One was the new Judson High School, which was scheduled to be ready for the start of the school year in August. Construction delays meant students attended school at two campuses until late last month.